Author Notes: Sorry for the wait, thanks for taking the time to read this. Read the last chapter again because the plot has changed.*

Chapter 9 Hitomi

Sakura groaned as the sunlight peeked through her curtains, piercing her throbbing head. "Ugh, remind me to lay off the alcohol next time," she muttered, slowly sitting up in bed.

The events of last night came flooding back, and Sakura felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. The party was great, the drinks were intoxicating, and Neji's body was even more mesmerising than she remembered! She had really gone for it with Neji, stepping into uncharted territory and claiming the reserved Hyuuga.

Sakura could still picture the bewildered look on his face as she pounced on him. They had sex, and he responded positively. The act wasn't pure intoxication; she was lucid enough to be responsible for every one of her actions. But the situation turned awkward after some arguments, and things ended badly. Yesterday, she had been a bit harsh with her words. She nearly destroyed their bond.

"Way to go, Forehead. You probably scared him off for good this time," Sakura groaned. "Alright, Hyuuga. I'll give you some time to process this."

Neji wasn't regretting it, but the complexity of his emotions made her think the stoic Hyuuga wasn't ready for a new relationship for some reason.

Sakura wanted his commitment. He seemed troubled by whatever had upset him, making him hesitant. This time, she would give him the time and space he needed to let her in, if that's what he required.

It was a week before the wedding, and their dancing practices had gone surprisingly well. They practiced almost daily, with Neji's schedule lightening.

Sakura realised that dancing may be a quick way to fall in love. She never imagined she would find herself taking waltz lessons from the almighty Hyuuga.

At first, it was all business. Neji patiently guided her through the steps, correcting her when she stumbled. Something changed as lessons progressed. They coordinated their movements; each touch became more intentional. Sakura lost herself in the pale eyes that bore into her emerald, her heart fluttering with each spin and dip.

Neji said, "You're a natural at this," as they slowly danced in perfect harmony, picking up the pace.

"Who would have thought the great Hyuuga Neji is a good teacher?"

"Laugh it up, Haruno," he retorted. "Just wait until I give you a dance lift in public," he added, signaling his challenge.

And true to his word, as the music reached its crescendo, Neji suddenly lifted Sakura by the hips, spinning her around with effortless grace. Sakura gasped, clutching his broad shoulders tightly as their faces approached. The way their bodies pressed together felt so right, Sakura couldn't help but recall the passionate encounter they'd shared just a week ago. The memory of his touch still lingered on her skin.

"Hey!—" Sakura sighed as she reveled in Neji's familiar scent, the warmth of his touch, the intensity of his gaze.

It was their last rehearsal before the Hokage wedding and Sakura felt a pang of sadness. She didn't want their private dance lessons to end.

"Flaunting your skills?"

Sakura wasn't sure if she was comfortable dancing like this in front of their friends, but it was nice when it was just the two of them alone.

"Well, when you've got it, flaunt it," he retorted, his tone playful yet confident. He promised to just learn to keep his hands to himself, but now he was breaking that promise left and right.

"The only thing you can flaunt is your cockiness," she mocked in disapproval. She had every chance to push him away, but she couldn't.

"You know, I'm just naturally gifted."

"Gifted in being a show-off," Sakura added dryly as she caught his amused expression morphing into a wide smirk.

"I'm not showing off if I can back it up," he argued. "I've yet to see you impress me."

"Challenge accepted. Get ready to eat your words."

Their last practice brought a bittersweet urgency. As they sparred verbally, their banter was lively. Sakura wouldn't surrender.

Sakura let her gaze linger on his perfect lips, the memory of their previous kiss still fresh in her mind. Impulsively, the kunoichi leaned in, pressing her lips against his. To her delight, the Hyuuga responded instantly, tightening his grip on her hips and surrendering.

When they finally parted, he quipped, "That was cheating," and then he put her down.

"Who said anything about playing fair?" Sakura retorted, her fingers tracing the contours of his chest.

Neji intercepted her wandering hand, his white eyes meeting hers with an unspoken understanding. "You want me to make you dripping wet again, don't you?" He teased Sakura, surprising her with his newfound boldness.

Jeez, this man flirted better than she thought!

Sakura felt her cheeks blush hotly at his words. Though she knew he was joking, the flirtatious exchange surprised her! Their friendship had indeed crossed a line, and now their easy banter had stirred into something else. Sakura was pleased that their conversation flowed well even after their awkward argument in the shower a week earlier.

"You're talking dirty."

Neji's voice was smooth and magnetic. "Because your hand's being naughty," he smirked, choosing to handle the situation properly this time. "Are you under the influence again?"

As Neji brushed off her advances, Sakura felt a pang of disappointment. But his words soon soothed her.

"I'm sorry for what I said earlier. I enjoyed the moment we shared," he whispered, but soon he went on to clarify, "I wasn't exactly talking about what happened in bed..."

"Are you seriously not hinting about what happened in bed?" Sakura teased, unable to resist.

Neji chuckled. "Come on, what I meant was the quiet understanding we shared, the conversations we had, and the trust we built over the years-"

"Beyond physical intimacy," Sakura finished for him.

Sakura felt a flutter in her chest as Neji navigated the blurry lines between their friendship and romance. He was trying to express how he felt about the bond between them, strengthened by their shared experiences.

"I'm glad we're on the same page," Neji replied.

Neji eyed Sakura thoughtfully, his gaze lingering on her gentle smile. He'd always admired her strength and compassion, qualities that drew him to her, yet a part of him still held back.

A previous failed engagement had left his heart guarded. He wanted a deeper, more meaningful connection before opening up about his health condition and the fears that lingered.

Treading carefully to protect his heart, Neji hoped to build a solid foundation with Sakura, one where he could eventually share his past experiences, insecurities, and aspirations for the future. He trusted that she would understand and love him for who he was.

"Well, Sakura, did you know that my cousin has been...setting us up?" Breaking the silence, Neji said in a conversational, light tone.

Sakura laughed in understanding. "Naturally, I did! Your dear cousin is not as innocent as she looks."

Days stretched into weeks as Sakura grew closer to the Anbu Captain with the help of Hinata from the sidelines. With her gentle pushes and genuine support, their relationship moved forward.

Neji wasn't surprised that the perceptive pinkette noticed his cousin's matchmaking efforts.

"And did you know she made a dinner reservation for us this Friday? As best man and maid of honor, we seem to need to 'bond'."

"Is this your passive-aggressive way of asking me on a date, Neji? Using Hinata's name as a cover?"

"Who said anything about a date?" Neji feigned offense, "Guilty as charged. I would never use such deception."

Though the Hyuuga was still the same old jerk Sakura knew, she first believed he had changed into a kind and considerate man!

"You're incorrigible, you know that?" Sakura raised an eyebrow and laughed.

"I'm simply following orders from the bride-to-be herself," he flashed Sakura a charming smile.

The smile was warm and inviting. He was very charming when he did that.

"Alright, I'll play along. We can't let Hinata's hard work go to waste. But you're paying!"

"I wouldn't have it any other way," he said smoothly.

This was going to be an interesting evening.

Sakura's emerald eyes immediately fell upon a woman sitting patiently in Konoha Hospital's sterile waiting room. As their eyes met, Sakura recognized the woman. Hitomi, the Otsutsuki heiress, was Neji's former betrothed.

What was the kunoichi doing here? Whatever the case, Sakura knew she would have to tread carefully.

The white eyes kunoichi was every bit as beautiful as the rumors had described. Her poise and regal bearing filled the room. She has porcelain skin, unmistakable white eyes, flowing dark hair, and a serene expression. Sakura couldn't help but feel a twinge of insecurity that she was somehow inadequate next to this kunoichi. She breathed deeply to stay calm and professional.

With a serene smile on her face, Hitomi approached her.

"Haruno Sakura," she said warmly. "It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

"The pleasure is all mine," Sakura replied as they exchanged pleasantries, her voice measured. "Hitomi-san, is there something I can help you with?"

"I was hoping we could talk, if you have a moment, Haruno-san," she said, then continued, "It's about Neji."

Sakura stiffened at the mention of his name, ready to confront that specific obstacle. She was aware of their broken engagement and pondered whether this visit held any significance. Yes, she told Hitomi to follow her to her office.

Sat across from Hitomi-san in her office, Sakura didn't let her grace faze her. A silence hung in the air as the two women sized each other up.

"I've heard you and Neji have grown... close. I know our engagement has ended, but I still care about him, and I was hoping you could arrange for us to meet just one more time."

Sakura, keeping her cool, had expected a similar request from her. "Hitomi-san, I'm not sure that would be appropriate. That is something he must decide for himself."

"But you have access to him that I no longer do," Hitomi said. "Please, Sakura-san, just one more meeting. You don't understand... I never truly wanted to let go of Neji. Something about our future worried me, and I regretted breaking off our engagement."

"I see. I'm sorry to hear that, Hitomi-san."

"I feel I owe you an explanation about Neji and I," Hitomi pressed on.

Hitomi told Sakura about the carefully planned unions between the two clans. Initially, she found herself compelled into the arrangement. As the heiress of her clan, she saw Neji, a member of the Hyuuga clan, kindred, who understood the burden of being born into a clan with a destiny and duty.

At first, the proud Otsutsuki clan was reluctant to agree to the marriage proposal, believing their clan was superior to the Hyuuga and that Neji, who had been branded with a cursed seal that marked him as a servant to the Hyuuga main house, was beneath their heiress status and strength.

Only after the boy's transformation and acquisition of the Tenseigan did the Otsutsuki clan become impressed and see the potential benefits of the marriage, hoping his wisdom and leadership would make him a suitable partner for her.

But that was from her clan's perspective.

Their relationship of two years had been one of mutual respect and decency, rather than deep affection. Hitomi cared for Neji as a person and started to develop genuine feelings for him, not caring about the differences in their status.

Neji, who was typically indifferent and serious, never bored or uninterested Hitomi. Not to mention she was attracted to his handsome and charming appearance, inwardly chiding herself for her vanity in enjoying his company at formal events.

Hitomi found the Hyuuga intriguing, admiring his combat abilities, courage, loyalty, and growth as a shinobi. However, the man had a tendency to sacrifice himself to protect his team, which had happened several times during his missions. Her feelings for him were complex, a mix of genuine care and the constant fear of losing him.

Sakura was not sure she wanted to hear what Hitomi had to say next.

It was the details of the Hyuuga and Otsutsuki genetic dominance rejection. The stark disparity in their chakra pools had caused discomfort and tension whenever they tried to be intimate, harming them both.

Sakura wished she could forget the last ten minutes, but she forced herself to remain calm, even as jealousy bubbled within her at the thought of their intimacy. The situation was undeniably frustrating, upsetting, and even disturbing all at once.

Sakura steeled herself; compatibility was not the only reason for their split.

Hitomi had recently witnessed a sudden, sharp pain in Neji's forehead and worried about the unforeseen risks associated with marrying him. She was unprepared to take on the responsibilities of being a caregiver, fearing that he would die young.

"I can only imagine how difficult things must have been between you and Neji."

"Thank you, Haruno-san, for listening. I never wanted to hurt him. I hope you can understand. Neji is very fortunate to have you and the others. Please take care of him."

"We will, Hitomi-san. Thank you for coming to speak with me."

Sakura never thought the Otsutsuki would be so understanding and sensible. This was no easy conversation, but one laced with the bittersweet lessons of the heart.

Sakura felt a surge of empathy. She could see the genuine remorse in her white eyes. Hitomi had been deeply in love with Neji, she could only imagine the strength it must have taken for her to move forward after their separation.

Sakura saw a haunting fear lurking beneath her white gaze, and the thought of Neji suffering in an affliction of pain again deeply unsettled her.

There was a connection between them, as they were both descendants of Hamura Otsutsuki. The kunoichi may be able to help Neji.

Neji stood in front of the Yamanaka family flower shop. It wasn't every day for the Hyuuga to find himself here, but today was different. He had a special occasion coming up that required his attention. This was new territory for him, he was determined to make it right.

As he stepped inside, a familiar face emerged from behind the counter, a look of surprise crossing her face when she recognized him.

Ino's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "Neji? Fancy seeing you here, I didn't expect to see you in my shop. What can I do for you?"

His usual stoic demeanor softening ever so slightly. "I need some help picking out a flower, something that might, convey an apology and sincerity."

Cerulean eyes lit with delight. The blonde couldn't help the small smile that crept across her face. She was secretly happy that things were progressing between Neji and her best friend.

"Say no more," she said, moving to the display of blooms. "I've got just the thing," as Ino carefully selected the perfect arrangement, Neji watched on. "For an apology and to show your sincerity, I'd recommend some white lilies. They symbolize purity and innocence."

Neji nodded, considering the flower. "I'll take it," he pulled out his wallet and paid for the bouquet.

"Anytime, Neji. I'm just happy to see you two finally getting your act together," Ino said, her tone casual and friendly.

"Thank you, Yamanaka," the Hyuuga replied, his tone humble and sincere.

Neji arched a brow, not quite used to being so open about his personal life. But he smiled and nodded in response.

Ino waved him off, her smile widening.

With the bouquet securely in his grip, Neji turned and headed out, feeling a little lighter than he had when he'd first walked in.